Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Whether you dream of trekking through its lush rainforests or enjoying the sunshine along the Caribbean Coast, it’s key to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to ensure your holiday is as memorable as can be.
- Luxury holidays to Costa Rica all year round
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The best time to travel to Costa Rica is during the dry season between December and April on the Pacific Coast, and between March and September on the Caribbean Coast. There are perks to travelling either side of the rainy season – between May and June, and in November – too though. You’ll avoid the large crowds of the peak months, and the country is at its most beautiful, lush, and green. So green that the rainy season is also known as the green season. As Costa Rica is a tropical country, the temperature is always warm, but you should be prepared for some rain and humidity all year round. Read on to find out more about Costa Rica’s weather.
Our Experts Say...
"Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so you should be prepared for rain at any time of year! The 'green season' and wetter months run from May until November, with a little respite in July and August. The Caribbean side including Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo has the opposite climate, and is best visited in February - April or September/October. Travelling during the shoulder months of May/June and November can offer an opportunity to take advantage of cheaper rates and fewer tourists, and you may be lucky with the weather. If you are keen to see turtles in Tortuguero, then make sure you travel between July and October, and depending on where you travel, whales can be seen at different times of year on the Pacific coast (best from August to October). School holidays are especially popular, with Costa Rica being an amazing family destination; Christmas and Easter breaks should be booked well ahead of time."
Eli Hardcastle, Latin America Specialist
Monthly Climate Guide for Costa Rica
, Costa Rica
Average temperatures (Celsius) and rainfall (mm)
Costa Rica’s temperature doesn’t change hugely month on month, with it being, on average, between 20˚ C and 30˚ C throughout the year.
Its peak season is from December to March, with Easter and Christmas holidays the best times of year to travel to Costa Rica but also when you’ll find the country most crowded. If you can avoid the school holidays, opt for the shoulder months of April and November, when it is still hot but there is not too much rainfall.
September and October are the wettest months on the Pacific side of the country; however, the Caribbean coast is dry at that time of year. Its dry season runs from March to November, but you will get some rainfall most of the year, usually in the afternoons and evenings, allowing you to make the most of the stunning, sun-soaked beaches before it arrives.
While most people will travel to Costa Rica during the dry season, the rainier months of June, July and August bring with them lush greenery, transforming Costa Rica into a vibrant, verdant paradise. Temperatures then are around 30˚ C, and you’ll often have sunny mornings to enjoy the adventure activities. A bonus of travelling at this time of year is also fewer crowds.
Understanding Costa Rica's Seasons
Rather than having traditional seasons like the northern hemisphere, Costa Rica’s seasons are split into dry and wet (or green). Below we go through the best months to visit Costa Rica, and which activities or experiences to enjoy while you’re there.
A Seasonal Guide to Costa Rica
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March, April, May
Early in the calendar year is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica, with dry and sunny conditions throughout the country.
While national parks and other attractions are typically busy, March, April and May provide great weather for viewing all the colourful birds and intriguing mammals that make Costa Rica their home - and we think it’s worth braving the crowds to see these magnificent animals in person.
Head to the remote Osa Peninsula to make the most of the sunny, dry days. Alongside the vast stretches of pristine beach and sparkling Pacific Ocean, the main attraction in this region is the Corcovado National Park. Home to rare and endangered species like jaguars, poison dart frogs, and scarlet macaws, this hub of biodiversity is a real treat for nature lovers and hikers alike.
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June, July, August
This period is known as the Green Season. Temperatures are cooling and this is a good time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the range of adventurous activities on offer. From kayaking in Arenal to zip-lining through Monteverde, there’s no shortage of thrilling things to do.
This is also a good time to visit destinations like Manuel Antonio National Park, as the crowds begin to die down. Alternatively, if you’re an animal lover, we can help you plan a summer visit to Tortuguero to see the nesting sea turtles or catch a glimpse of the migrating humpback whales, joined by a passionate local guide. We can even arrange for you to stay at an eco-lodge bordering Tortuguero National Park to keep you close to the action.
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September, October, November
September and October are the wettest months in Costa Rica, and the prolonged rainfall across most of the country makes it difficult to spot wildlife in the forests or explore beyond the main roads.
However, the Caribbean Coast remains relatively dry at this time of year, so there’s still plenty to see and do. Puerto Viejo offers a range of activities, from horse riding along the sandy beaches and surfing through the warm waters to simply kicking back and relaxing, taking in the scenery.
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December, January, February
During the winter is another one of the best times to visit Costa Rica, as the rainy season comes to an end. There may still be heavy rainfall and unpredictable conditions, but these will have cleared up by January.
This unpredictable weather is not a problem if you’re travelling to San Jose, with various indoor and outdoor experiences on offer. Shelter from the rain in one of the city’s many art galleries, museums, or restaurants, or make the most of any sunny conditions by exploring the surrounding Central Valley, replete with dense rainforests, rolling hills, and national parks just waiting to be explored.
- March, April, May
- June, July, August
- September, October, November
- December, January, February
Best Times to Go to Costa Rica for…
There’s so much to see and do in Costa Rica, from surfing in Guanacaste to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. The best time to go to Costa Rica depends completely on what kind of experiences you’re interested in and what parts of the country you’d like to visit. Our travel experts are on hand to create a bespoke itinerary for your trip based on when you’d like to travel, so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your time away.
Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure.
